First published in 1953, this book has sold millions and is still selling strongly.
Dale Carnegie has produced a piece of work that has obviously survived the test of time. Not surprisingly, because most of the angst in our everyday life comes from dealing with people.
I think the book teaches you the basic principles of manners and courtesy. Would you say that is it manipulative just because it tells you how to make other people feel good about themselves and about dealing with you? Perhaps even a little subversive?
This book is the soothing
antidote to
nice people don’t get ahead. Read it if you want to put yourself on the cover of the
human relations magazine. Read it if you constantly meet people and have to be continually associated with them.
I have the 1968 edition, and I don’t know if the anecdotes in them have changes. But the last part is Seven rules for making your home life happier. It does take use the more traditional role of working husband/house wife, but the rules still apply.
For example, Rule 1 - Don’t nag.